How Often Should You Wash a Dog?

Do you worry that your home may smell of dog? To be frank your dog may create an olfactory first impression on guests without your knowledge (nose blindness is real!). 

Don’t panic 29% of UK pet owners have been told to their faces that their house smells of dog. Why the pungent scent? The same survey showed that a whopping 33% of pet owners don’t wash their dog. Yikes!

So, how often should you wash your dog?

WHY ARE BATHS SO IMPORTANT?

Pet ownership doesn’t come with a handbook, but it does come with many questions, especially regarding hygiene. Vets say over half (56%) of dog owners don’t bathe their furry friends as often as they should.

Evidence suggests that many skin issues your dog deals with can be solved or prevented by simply bathing them more. When proper techniques are applied, bathing can “improve the effectiveness of the skin’s natural defense mechanisms” and “trigger the release of oxytocin,” the hormone behind mother-infant connection. So, not only does a bath clean your dog, it strengthens your bond. 

Washing can boost morale and an overall sense of wellness. That applies to more than just your dog, vets say that time spent grooming can result in a “calming and de-stressing effect on humans.” The cherry on top? Your house smells better.

SO, HOW OFTEN SHOULD I BATHE MY DOG?

The answer isn’t so simple. It depends on your pooch.

All in all, most vets suggest bathing your dog around once a month, or when they’re dirty; whatever comes first. If your dog rolls in something or produces an odour, bathe them. If they haven’t been outside in a while, hold off.

For larger breeds, you may need to consider a more rigorous bathing routine. Same goes for breeds with long hair. Warm weather, existing health conditions, age, and more will also play a role in bath frequency.

Since hair can facilitate faster bacteria growth, leading to a number of skin conditions, it takes more than just baths to maintain your dog’s health. Experts suggest general grooming and coat care, such as frequent brushing, de-matting, and checking for skin irregularities or clumped/dirty hair are necessary alongside dog washing. 

One thing to consider: there is such a thing as over-bathing your dog and using the wrong soap. You can actually destroy healthy bacteria on your dog’s skin, leaving them at a disadvantage to regulate their own hygiene. When scientists washed sixteen labradors with dishwashing detergent for two weeks, they found that "significantly reduced normal healthy dermal microbial taxa"  resulting in negative impacts to your dog’s skin health. Don’t overdo it!

BE:LOVED IS HERE FOR YOUR DOG’S BATHTIME NEEDS

Always use shampoo made for dogs specifically, like our Be:Clean Dog Shampoo, which is soothing, eco-friendly, and leaves your dog with a glossy coat. Or grab a gift for that friend whose house has that “dog smell syndrome.” We won’t judge.

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